Cedar Creek eighth grader Mary Wynne is the best speller around. She won the Northwest Louisiana Regional Spelling Bee competition in the University Center at LSU-Shreveport on March 8, and will compete in the national competition in Washington D.C. on May 25.

From pastor, to singer, to passionate community member, Stan Pody is a busy man.

Pody spent his childhood in Ruston, and was raised to love music, God and his community by his parents, Elton and Sherry Pody. Elton Pody served eight years as mayor of Ruston from 1982-1990. This instilled a love for his city in Stan Pody.

“My parents really put a love for music, community and a love for God in all of their children,” Pody said. “My dad believed in this community.”